Two Out of Five Internet Users Have Been Victims of Hacking

According to Consumer Account Security Report, 40% of US consumers received a notice in the past year that personal information such as username, password, credit card number, social security number or national insurance number had been compromised. But only 70% changed their passwords.

Broken down further, one quarter had their accounts hacked and one fifth had passwords stolen.

Nearly 80% of consumers worry about online security, and 45% are extremely or very concerned about their accounts being hacked, but only a third are confident that passwords will protect their online accounts.

The study revealed that most consumers have 24 online accounts, but use only 6 passwords. Further, they found that 73% use duplicate passwords. 43% haven't changed their passwords in five years.

The authors of the study stated: "Even while lacking trust in passwords and being worried about being hacked, consumers are falling short of taking steps to protect themselves either due to lack of awareness or lack of education on additional security measures. They would like the added protection of two-factor authentication because it adds an extra layer of protection, but many don’t know where to start or how to set it up."